Maple Bacon Scones

The weather is changing...the bitter bite of winter is making its appearance.  That means warms drinks start the day out.  One morning I was going to make a Maple Bacon muffin but I decided to make a scone instead.  First, you have to actually like scones, which for a lot of people, isn't so.  But you can't go wrong when said scone can be lightly dipped in a chai.  Now that, my friends, along with an extra side of bacon, is a perfect morning.

Anyway, I have a few friends who are my testers.  The first one came by and gave them an A+. The second one was delivered three and texted me shortly thereafter to say all three were gone.  And that is was the best bakery item I have ever made.  Even better than my Samoa's and Cake Balls...WHAT?  Anyway, there isn't much more to say when you get those kind of reviews.  

Oh yeah there is.  And that would this....this was my first experiment and I nailed it.  Sometimes even I amaze myself.  And the second, I just wanted to brag a bit, show you the picture and then tell you I'm not even posting the recipe.   But you can buy them from me if you are in Des Moines!  

Bam!

The Perfect Pulled Pork

One thing I really, really enjoy is a good, and I mean GOOD pulled pork.  There are so many options with a big 'ol pot of pulled pork.  But I am also simplistic in that I want to enjoy the flavor of the pork or add sauces later.  I am a master, and I kid you not, at ribs.  Best ribs ever.  Really.  But I have always found pork roasts to be dry and hard to chew.  I want it soft, tender and moist. 

So this is what I did...and frankly, I nailed it.  If you don't have a big smoker, and I don't, this is great because you can get the same result.  

The Perfect Pulled Pork

1 5-7 pound pork shoulder roast

3 tbsp. hickory salt (my favorite is from Williams Sonoma)

1 1/2 tbsp. freshly ground pepper

Make sure the pork roast is room temperature.  This is key.  It allows for even cooking and allows the fat to render slowly.  

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Generously coat the pork shoulder with the salt and pepper and rub it evenly.

Place the pork in a stock pot large enough to hold it and put a lid on.  Place the lid on and cook in it in the oven for 8 hours.  Remove and allow to cool. 

NOW...place the pork in the fridge for a day.  Turn the pork roast one or twice during that time to allow juices/fat to redistribute into the pork.

A day later, preheat oven to 250 degrees.  Put the pork back in the oven and cook an additional 4-6 hours depending on the size of your roast.  You'll know it is done when it is falling off the bone.

I promise it will take every bit of restraint you have to not eat every little piece.  Really. 

And what do you do with the pork now?

Well, last night I tested a tamale recipe.  Testers are trying them today, so we'll see!